MI HB5168

Requires regional transit authority boards to meet at least quarterly in compliance with open meetings laws, with a governor's representative serving as chairperson without voting power.

Establishes voting requirements for major decisions: simple majority for routine matters, 7/9 supermajority (including representatives from each county) for assessments and motor vehicle registration taxes, and unanimous approval for acquiring public transportation providers or establishing rail service.

Mandates competitive procurement practices for authority contracts and purchases, with exceptions for emergencies and purchases under $25,000, and preference given to vendors based in the public transit region or Michigan.

Requires authorities to establish citizens' advisory committees (40% transit users, 20% senior/disability representatives, 40% business/labor/community members) and public transportation provider advisory councils to provide recommendations on service coordination and funding.

Restricts operational deficits for commuter rail and street railway systems to be funded only by money raised in the counties where those services operate, effective September 25, 2014.